Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan
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Ever craved Carrabba’s famous Chicken Bryan but didn’t want to leave home? This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen in just 40 minutes. The secret to this dish is the amazing lemon butter sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken topped with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
The recipe starts with marinating chicken breasts in a simple mixture of olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic. While that’s happening, you can prep the rich, creamy sauce that makes this dish so special. The combination of butter, shallots, garlic, and cream creates restaurant-quality flavor that will impress your family or dinner guests.
Exact Ingredients List
Getting the right ingredients in the correct amounts is key to recreating this restaurant favorite at home. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Bryan recipe.
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use a good quality olive oil for best flavor
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – This herb blend typically contains basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon) – Fresh is best for brightest flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed – Smashing helps release more flavor into the marinade
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Try to select pieces of similar size for even cooking
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Oil-packed works best for this recipe
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) – Adds fresh brightness and color
- 4 ounces goat cheese, torn – The tangy creaminess balances the rich sauce
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup salted butter – If using unsalted, you’ll need to add more salt to taste
- 1 small shallot, diced – Provides a milder, sweeter flavor than onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fine mince helps it incorporate into the sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar – This infused oil adds extra flavor depth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – Don’t substitute dried basil here
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon) – Fresh squeezed gives the best taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature – Bringing to room temp prevents curdling
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season carefully, tasting as you go
Instructions
Make the marinade by mixing olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and smashed garlic in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness. Add chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Discard used marinade for food safety.
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If using cherry tomatoes, cook them in the hot pan for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
While chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomato oil, and basil to the butter. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in lemon juice and then heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place cooked chicken in the sauce and spoon sauce over the top. Top with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese crumbles.
Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over each piece. This pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Possible Substitutes List
Can’t find all the ingredients for Chicken Bryan? Don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps you can make:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken: Turkey cutlets or thin pork chops work well
- Goat cheese: Feta cheese or cream cheese (less tangy but still creamy)
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes (cook them longer)
For the Sauce:
- Shallot: Yellow onion or green onions (use half the amount)
- Heavy cream: Half and half or full-fat coconut milk
- Fresh basil: Dried basil (use 1 tablespoon) or fresh parsley
Cooking Methods:
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Grill pan | Regular skillet or outdoor grill |
| Pounding chicken | Butterfly cut or buy thin-sliced breasts |
| Marinating 30 min | Quick 10-min marinade (add more seasoning) |
If you’re watching calories, try Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and use less butter in the sauce. The dish will still be delicious!
For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil and skip the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. They’re often juicier but need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
This delicious Chicken Bryan can be modified to fit a diabetes-friendly meal plan with a few simple swaps. These changes reduce carbs and added fats while keeping the amazing flavor.
Ingredient Modifications:
- Use half the amount of butter (1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup)
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
- Choose sun-dried tomatoes without added sugar
- Reduce goat cheese to 2 ounces instead of 4
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with non-starchy vegetables like roasted asparagus or a side salad
- Skip traditional pasta sides and try cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini
The chicken itself is naturally low in carbs, making it a great protein choice. The marinades and sauce are where most carbs hide.
Nutritional Benefits:
| Original | Modified |
|---|---|
| ~767 calories | ~550 calories |
| Higher fat | Lower fat |
| Higher carbs | Lower carbs |
You can also reduce cooking time by slicing chicken breasts in half horizontally before marinating. This creates thinner pieces that cook faster and absorb more flavor.
Remember to monitor your portion sizes. The protein should take up about 1/4 of your plate, with non-starchy vegetables filling half the plate.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Chicken Preparation Tips:
- Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Sauce Success:
- Room temperature heavy cream prevents curdling when added to the hot lemon mixture.
- If your sauce breaks or separates, whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cold water until it comes back together.
Cheese Choices:
- If you don’t like goat cheese, try feta or even cream cheese as alternatives.
- Let goat cheese come to room temperature before using for a creamier texture.
Make-Ahead Options:
- Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead
- Prepare sauce up to 2 days in advance
- Store both separately in the refrigerator until ready to use
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- The sauce may thicken when cold; thin with a little chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing: Not recommended as the cream sauce can separate when thawed.
Side Dish Ideas:
